Arsenal Vs Bournemouth: Player ratings – Young Gunners go wild

7.5. The hybrid left-back, central-midfield role that Mikel Arteta has crafted is perfect for Granit Xhaka. He gets more time on the ball, his immobility is not as exploited in the faster-paced central midfield, and he provides the defensive foundation for Bukayo Saka to move up the pitch. Completed 90-plus% of his passes and rarely had a poor defensive moment.. CM. Arsenal. GRANIT XHAKA

Arsenal. MATTEO GUENDOUZI. 8.5. One of his best performances since joining the club. Playing in a weirdly one-man central midfield role, Guendouzi utterly ran the show. Won back possession eight times in the first half, more than any other player on the pitch, completed north of 90% of his passes, conducted play superbly, and even riled up the Bournemouth fans. Absolutely brilliant and a wonderful sign of his outrageous ability.. CM

7.0. Looked wonderfully sharp in the first half-hour, always looking for the ball with his back to the goal, spinning Bournemouth defenders, and driving into the penalty area. He played a key role in the build-up to both goals, finding space in midfield areas before driving forwards. Tired greatly in the second half as Arsenal relinquished an increasing share of the possession, but it was encouraging to see him look full of energy and intensity again.. CM. Arsenal. JOE WILLOCK